Plein Air Painting is a technique of painting outdoors, directly from nature. It allows artists to capture the beauty and atmosphere of a location in a unique and personal way. If you’re interested in getting started with Plein Air painting, here are my top 10 tips to help you on your journey.
Choose your equipment carefully: When painting outdoors, you need to have the right equipment to make your experience as enjoyable and productive as possible. Choose a high-quality paint prefilled into light weight paint palette,brushes, paper, and an easel that is easy to carry and set up. My suggestions are to take a lot less than you think you'll need: See my full suggestions listed here
2. Location: Safety first! Be sure that if you're headed out alone, that you let someone know where you're going, take self protection (I recommend pepper spray on a key chain that you always keep in the same place, say your right pocket). Many artists work in pairs or small groups to foster safety and community. You can find local Plein Air groups on Facebook groups.
3. Location, part 2: Finding a good location to paint can be challenging, but it’s an important step to ensure that your painting turns out well. Look for locations that have a good combination of light, color, and atmosphere. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose a location that is not too busy or crowded, so that you can focus on your painting without distractions. Many artists start out Plein Air painting from a space that they don't feel conspicuous: like from their own yard, car, hotel balcony, porch or deck. Don't feel like you have to set up your painting on the side of a busy footpath or alternatively, from a remote space after a 2 mile hike in!
4. Do a value sketch first!! Take 5-10 minutes to focus on composition, big shapes and the value patterns that you see. Working out these details is vital to make sure that you aren't working on a composition that you won't be happy with! I have learned this lesson the hard way and have been frustrated needlessly. Having a sketch is as vital as having a roadmap!
5. Work quickly: Plein air painting is all about capturing the moment, so you need to work quickly. Try to capture the essence of the location in as few brushstrokes as possible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles, as this can help you develop your own unique style. Many professional artists use their Plein Air work as studies and reference for future studio paintings, taking the pressure off to create a "finished" work of art. You also can finish the painting in your studio, or return to the same place multiple times (preferably at the same time of day) to finish. Taking a few reference photos of your scene can help you remember the light or shadow patterns, but don't get caught up in copying the reference!
6. Keep it simple: Don’t try to paint everything you see in your location (or your reference photo!) Instead, focus on the key elements that are most important to you. Ask yourself what is the reason that you MOST wanted to paint this particular scene? This could be a particular tree, building, or landscape feature. The less you try to paint, the more impactful your painting will be. As you paint, remind yourself often of the focal area, and leave out as much as possible to capture the essence of your scene.
7. Take breaks: Painting outside can be exhausting, especially on hot days. Make sure to take breaks, drink plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun. This will help you stay energized and focused on your painting. I recommend an artist's umbrella, a good sun hat and sunscreen.
8. Seek feedback: Once you’ve completed a painting, it’s a good idea to get feedback from other artists or mentors. This can help you identify areas for improvement and give you a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Getting a fresh set of eyes on our work is one of the most important steps to take for improvement. Join online groups like THIS for friendship, camaraderie and positive feedback!
9. Practice, practice, practice: The more you paint, the better you will become. Don’t be discouraged if your first few paintings aren’t exactly what you hoped they would be. Keep practicing and you will see improvement over time.
10. Have a growth mindset: there is no such thing as a "failed painting" if you are open and willing to learn from each experience. I invite you to come along with me on my adventures and see how I deal with setbacks and "failures"! see my Plein Air Adventures
Plein Air painting is a fun and rewarding practice that can help you develop your artistic obervational skills and connect with nature. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, unique paintings that capture the essence of the locations you visit.
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